SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT - Sustainability Strategy and Governance - Singapore Press Holdings
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SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 45
S U STA IN A B ILIT Y
REP O RT
Sustainability Strategy and Governance
[GRI 102-14]
As the leading media company The Board has assigned the Board A reassessment of material
in Asia, Singapore Press Holdings Risk Committee (BRC) to monitor factors was conducted for this
Ltd (SPH) strives to be the credible and oversee the management report. The selected ESG factors
and trusted source for providing of environmental, social and were subsequently validated by
accurate and timely news in governance (ESG) factors. The BRC the BRC. The policies, practices
Singapore and the world. We bring is supported by the Sustainability and performance relating to
stories for the community, the Steering Committee (SSC) chaired these selected ESG factors, as
world and for future generations. by the Chief Executive Officer, well as their targets are detailed
Through our stories – available in and the Sustainability Working in this report, which has been
four languages and on multiple Committee (SWC) chaired by prepared in accordance with the
platforms – on economic the Group Company Secretary. sustainability reporting regulatory
and financial sustainability, Both committees comprise the requirements set out in the
environmental protection, social SPH Group’s senior management Singapore Exchange Securities
responsibility, corporate governance and key executives from various Trading Limited Listing Manual
and awareness of sustainable business functions. Collectively, (SGX-ST Listing Manual): Listing
practices worldwide, SPH plays they oversee the identification Rules 711A and 711B, and the
a crucial role in the push for and management of risks and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)
sustainable living and development. opportunities relating to ESG issues Standards: Core option.
that are material to SPH Group.
This report presents and discusses To emphasise our commitment to
SPH’s strategy, policies and In this Sustainability Report for sustainability, SPH has chosen to
performance for sustainability in Financial Year 2019 (FY2019), align our sustainability efforts with
its governance, environmental, SPH, whose businesses now the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
human resources, health and include aged care and student Development, which has been
safety, social, community and accommodation, has expanded adopted by the 193 member states
economic practices. the reporting scope to include of the United Nations in 2015.
Orange Valley, one of Singapore’s
The Board has overall largest private nursing home
responsibility for sustainability for operators, and our portfolio Board of Directors
the SPH Group and aims to ensure of Purpose-Built Student Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
that our growth is sustainable in Accommodation (PBSA) in the
the long term. United Kingdom (UK).
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
46 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
One minute read
The ripple impact
SPH, as a leading media organisation, is a
strong advocate of sustainability. Apart from our
internal structure to achieve sustainability amid
a changing media landscape, we also tap our
vast network to bring you the key sustainability
issues in a fast-changing world through multiple
media platforms in four languages. We have
also partnered with over 250 media firms in a
week-long Covering Climate Now initiative to
boost coverage of the climate story. Engaging aud
This graphic presentation features some of sustainability c
our media coverage and showcases the ripple
impact of all our efforts to achieve a better and that mat
more sustainable future for all.
Promoting national and international
sustainable development agendas
Lianhe Zaobao: Five ways the The Straits Times: “IPCC
Paris Agreement will affect (Intergovernmental Panel on
you and me Climate Change) report on the
effects of climate change: A look
The Straits Times: at the key findings”
“National Day Rally 2019:
Land reclamation, polders Berita Harian: SATS invests $25m
among ways S’pore looks to to reduce food waste
deal with sea-level rise“
Media respo
a changin
The story of
climate change
The Straits Times: Climate of Change
series looks at the impact of climate Remain a credib
change on people and places around
the world as well as the solutions.
source of new
ST Green Pulse Podcast: Series analyses
the beat of the changing environment Make information and
through discussions with experts knowledge accessible to
Lianhe Zaobao: A feature on how
public through multiple
corporations and individuals take platforms in four Build ethical
& transparent
actions to address climate change languages businesses
ST Asia Report – A cover story
highlighting the climate crisis
Adopt Promote w
environment- wellness a
friendly practices safety of
and cus
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 47
Contribution to global sustainable
agenda through UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
diences with
conversations
tter most
Highlighting critical environmental
issues and community initiatives
Lianhe Zaobao: ST School Pocket Money Fund:
Award-winning special “$7 million disbursed by ST School
report on water Pocket Money Fund so far this year”
Berita Harian: 96.3 Hao FM broadcast on
Story of initiatives to water saving initiatives on
raise awareness in World Water Day
environmental issues in
the Muslim community
onsibility in
ng world Narratives on the
importance of sustainable
living and development
Lianhe Zaobao: The Inequality Sketch
ble and trusted is an illustrated interactive feature that
tackles the subject of inequality through
ws in Singapore real life stories
Tamil Murasu: Article explores the use
Promote media of plastic bags in Little India and raises
literacy and contribute awareness for recycling
to public education Berita Harian: A feature on two individuals
Develop our
talent on fake news and a family’s efforts to reduce waste
The Straits Times: “Few young
Singaporeans polled recycle e-waste,
or do it right”
workplace Care for our
and ensure community
our staff
stomers
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
48 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
S U STA IN A B ILIT Y
REP O RT
Five minute
read
OUR CONTRIBUTION
TO GLOBAL
SUSTAINABILITY
AGENDA
The UN’s Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)
are 17 interconnected
ambitions representing
the biggest challenges and
knowledge gaps on the
planet today. Veteran media professional Geoffrey Pereira conducting The Straits Times Media Analysis Course at
News Centre on 31 July 2019.
We play our role to keep
In the wake of fake news, SPH In FY2019, our sustainability-related
our readers informed and
has stepped up its media literacy news coverage includes:
engaged on critical issues.
efforts to create public awareness
about the pitfalls. Readers can 1. Promoting national and
write to the askST platform about international sustainable
reports, videos or photos they find development agendas
dubious and our reporters will look International sustainability
OUR MEDIA into these claims. Readers can also agreements and frameworks
RESPONSIBILITY IN A flag content they have found to be promote a long-term approach
CHANGING WORLD false; and The Straits Times (ST) may to addressing global challenges
consider publishing their findings. that require joint action. We
Accessible content from cover news related to significant
trustworthy source On 31 July, ST conducted The Straits sustainability milestones such
Times Media Analysis Course to as the Paris Agreement and
We are a credible and trusted teach the public on how to deal with Sustainability Agenda 2030,
source of accurate and timely inaccurate information. Participants and Singapore’s national
news. Our diverse content comes at the one-day masterclass picked commitments and contributions
to you on multiple platforms and up tips on how to critically analyse to fulfil these pledges.
in four languages. The news tablet news reports and identify fake news.
app which we introduced in March 2. Highlighting critical
2019 for our Chinese news dailies Protecting the planet environmental issues and
to provide readers with a seamless community initiatives
no-login and auto update digital Sustainability challenges such as Everyone has a role to play to
experience prove to be an instant hit, climate change, water scarcity, make sustainable development
garnering over 1,000 subscriptions waste management, gender happen. Our special features
within the first three days of its inequality and modern slavery of relevant local environmental
launch. The app encourages elderly require global solutions. By issues, such as single-use plastic,
readers who do not read English increasing our coverage on these food waste, pollution to water
to go digital as well. In September issues, we raise awareness and call sources and green consumption,
2019, the news tablet app was communities to action in keeping aim to empower individuals
introduced for Berita Harian. the planet sustainable for human life. to make positive changes and
underscore the importance
of collective efforts towards
sustainable development.
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 49
3. The story of climate change Sunday Times and on The Straits
ST embarked on one of its Times website, driving home the
biggest journalistic efforts ever, multifaceted impact of climate
to tell the important story of change and the solutions.
climate change. Over six months,
our journalists traversed 20 4. Narratives on the importance
hot spots around the world – of sustainable living and
where taps threaten to run dry, development
where homes are being washed Beyond covering environmental
to the sea in their thousands, degradation, we aim to extend
where rice crops are dwindling the sustainability conversations
and where deadly disease, to broad and complex challenges
fueled by a warming planet, is such as economic inclusion,
spreading. Their reports – in gender diversity, diminishing
words, pictures, videos and natural resources and geopolitical
graphics – form part of our instability and how these
six-week Climate of Change challenges impact businesses and
series in the Insight pages of The people’s everyday lives.
Build ethical We uphold high ethical
and transparent standards and advocate effective
businesses governance practices and
Internally, we evaluated
compliance with the rule of law.
our value chain to identify
which of the SDGs our
internal operations are We build an inclusive
aligned with, and their Develop organisation where everyone
relative importance to our our talent has equal opportunity to
businesses. The identified reach his/her potential.
SDGs are mapped to our
Sustainability Pillars.
Promote workplace Across our premises, we are
wellness and ensure committed to providing a
safety of our staff healthy and safe environment
and customers for all our stakeholders.
We have clear goals to ensure
Adopt environment- efficient use of our natural
friendly practices resources and minimise
carbon footprint.
Our local community
Care for our engagement and development
community programmes provide support
for vulnerable communities
and help build a society
that embraces language
enrichment, creativity, diversity,
healthy living and sports.
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
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Our Approach to Sustainability
SUSTAINABILITY ASPECTS OVERVIEW
[GRI 103-1]
The principle of materiality is the essential filter to determine which environmental, social and governance (ESG)
indicators are the most significant to our stakeholders. In FY2018, we conducted our first materiality assessment
exercise with a comprehensive study conducted amongst key stakeholders to identify what matters to our businesses
and stakeholders. In FY2019, we received updated insights on the fast-changing sustainability landscape and business
environment. The review resulted in the existing material factor on Health and Safety being extended to include our
customers in our aged care and student accommodation businesses.
Figure 1: SPH’s Sustainability Aspects Overview
Build ethical and transparent businesses
Material Factors Why It Is Important Boundary FY2019 FY2020 Targets
Performance
Highlights
Anti-Corruption Corruption can result in SPH employees, Zero confirmed Zero confirmed
significant damage to SPH’s suppliers incidents of incidents of corruption
the organisation, such corruption
as loss of financial and
social capital. We adopt a
‘zero tolerance’ approach
towards corruption.
Compliance Non-compliance with SPH Group No significant fines Prevent any non-
with Laws and laws and regulations may and non-monetary compliance of laws
Regulations subject SPH to liabilities sanctions for non- and regulations,
such as monetary compliance with including Personal
penalties, reputational laws and regulations Data Protection Act
damage, suspension or (PDPA) via PDPA
the revocation of our Steering Committee,
licence to operate. Data Protection
Officers, and PDPA
manual and standard
operating procedures
Content As media content has a SPH’s readers Zero legal Zero legal
Creation profound influence on suits resulting suits resulting
how individuals think, in significant in significant
speak and act, SPH has damages for damages for
the responsibility to copyright copyright
ensure that the content infringement or infringement or
we produce is accurate, defamation defamation
credible and responsible. Created credible English, Malay,
and fair content Tamil Media
for our readers (EMTM) Group and
across multiple the Chinese Media
media platforms Group (CMG) to
grow market reach
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 51
Develop our talent
Material Factors Why It Is Important Boundary FY2019 FY2020 Targets
Performance
Highlights
Non- Our diversity is our SPH employees Zero incidents of Zero incidents
Discrimination strength as it promotes and customers discrimination of unlawful
and Equal creativity and innovation. discrimination against
Opportunity It also enhances our employees
ability to reach different
segments in society.
Training and Human capital is our key SPH employees, Implemented 333 Provide more
Development resource. Investing in SPH’s local programmes to than 250 unique
training and developing communities upgrade employee programmes yearly for
our people is critical to skills employees to acquire
building up and retaining and upgrade their
our talent pipeline to skills
meet current and future
needs.
Promote workplace wellness and ensure safety of our staff and customers
Material Factors Why It Is Important Boundary FY2019 FY2020 Targets
Performance
Highlights
Health and We have a duty SPH employees, Accident Maintain AFR and
Safety of Our to provide a safe SPH’s business Frequency Rate ASR below the
Staff and environment for all at partners, media (AFR) ad Accident national all-time
Customers our premises; especially and industry Severity Rate industry average
so in our Properties, partners, (ASR) at 1.8 and Zero significant
aged care and student distributors / 23.6 non-compliance
accommodation retailers / tenants / Zero significant with health and
business segments shoppers non-compliance safety laws and
where we have with health and regulations
significant influence on safety laws and
our customers’ health regulations
and safety.
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
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Adopt environment-friendly practices
Material Factors Why It Is Important Boundary FY2019 FY2020 Targets
Performance Highlights
Energy and The media industry SPH Group Total energy consumption: Maintain same level
Emissions generally has a 118.34 GWh of total energy
low impact on the Energy intensity: consumption for the
environment relative 315.69 kWh/m² media and property
to its scale. However, businesses
Water our own commitment Total water consumption: Maintain same
to environment 687,775 m³ level of total water
protection and resource Water intensity: consumption for the
conservation is critical 1.83 m³/m² media and property
to promote businesses
environmental
Effluents and stewardship to the
Waste water treated at Achieve 100%
Waste public.
waste treatment plant and compliance with
discharged to sewage: National Environment
2,556 m³ Agency (NEA)
As we expand our
Untreated waste water regulations regarding
business, our impact
collected by licensed waste water
grows. We work to
disposal vendor: management
minimise our
49,000 litres
environmental
Weight of recycled waste:
footprint.
3,276 tonnes
Materials Paper and ink are the SPH Group 100% of newsprint Obtain newsprint
key materials used by derived from either from suppliers with
our media business. recycled or virgin newsprint fibre
Our stakeholders are fibre pulp which from sustainable
concerned about is sourced from sources
where we source these woodlands certified Continue to use
materials from. with internationally inks that comply
recognised sustainable with internationally
forest management accepted safety
standards standards.
Inks used in Production
are produced
under European
Registration, Evaluation,
Authorisation and
Restriction of
Chemicals (REACH)
or Australian National
Industrial Chemicals
Notification and
Assessment Scheme
(NICNAS) compliant
standards that improve
the protection of
human health and
environment from
the risks that can be
posed by chemicals.
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 53
Care for our community
Material Factors Why It Is Important Boundary FY2019 FY2020 Targets
Performance
Highlights
Local Community investment is SPH’s local Implemented 198 Support and organise
Communities a valuable way to engage communities local community more than 100
staff and ensure thriving engagement and programmes under
local communities. development our five Corporate
programmes Social Responsibility
(CSR) pillars of, Charity
& Community, Nature
& Conservation,
Education, Arts &
Culture and Sports
SUSTAINABILITY POLICIES
In FY2019, we set up a dedicated Ethics Task Force comprising representatives from various business units to
undertake a comprehensive review of the efficacy of SPH’s Code of Business Ethics and Employee Conduct.
We updated 18 policies across our sustainability pillars. The full suite of our ethics policies are presented in Figure 2.
Figure 2: SPH’s Ethics Policies
Ethics Policies Sustainability Pillars
Build ethical and transparent businesses
Anti-Money Laundering and The policy sets out employees’ collective responsibility and accountability
Countering the Financing of for ensuring the Group’s compliance with AML/CFT laws, regulations and
Terrorism (AML/CFT) Policy guidelines.
Anti-Bribery and Anti- SPH is committed to maintaining the highest level of integrity and acting
Corruption Policy fairly and professionally in all business dealings and relationships. The
Conflict of Interest Policy Group adopts a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to any acts of fraud, corruption
Corporate Gifts and Hospitality or bribery by our employees in all of SPH’s business dealings, directly or
Policy indirectly.
Whistle Blowing Policy SPH provides secure grievance mechanisms for stakeholders to report
any malpractice, impropriety, statutory non-compliance or wrongdoing
by staff and our business partners in the course of their work, without fear
of adverse consequences.
Ethical Media and Journalism SPH is committed to the highest standards of business ethics and integrity
Policy in dealings with SPH’s stakeholders, including but not limited to the
readers, advertisers, suppliers, journalists, marketers and the government.
Fraud Risk Management Policy The policy is established to facilitate the development of controls that will
support the detection and prevention of fraud against SPH.
SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
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Intellectual Property SPH strives to compete fairly in the marketplace and works to ensure the
Protection Policy integrity of the competitive marketplace. This commitment to fairness
includes respecting the intellectual property rights of SPH’s suppliers,
customers, business partners, competitors, and others, including original
equipment manufacturers and independent service organisations.
Trade Control and It is subject to both the Code of Practice for Market Conduct (the Media
Anti-Competition Policy Code), which regulates conduct in media markets and is enforced by the
Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and the Competition
Act, which is the general competition law in Singapore and enforced by
the Competition Commission of Singapore (CCS).
Information Technology SPH takes the security of our employees and assets seriously. The use of the
Security Policy internet, email and other computing resources are for work purposes. Any
Physical Security Policy unauthorised access to the system may cause disruption to critical business
Personal Data Protection Policy processes necessary for the operations of SPH. It is therefore crucial to
safeguard the IT infrastructure of SPH to prevent any security breaches.
We also have processes in place to comply with the Personal Data
Protection Act 2012 (PDPA) and the European Union General Data
Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Develop our talent
Anti-Harassment and Anti- SPH is committed to building an inclusive and harmonious workplace,
Discrimination in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. The policy
Workplace Conduct Policy aims to prevent discrimination and harassment at the workplace based
on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or
expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin,
genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Fair Employment Policy SPH is committed to adopting fair and progressive employment practices
in the workplace. The policy aims to ensure compliance with the Tripartite
Standards on recruitment practices, grievance handling and flexible
work arrangements. It also outlines procedures related to employment
disputes, disciplinary action, and grievance handling to ensure that all
employees have access to the appropriate avenues when the need arises.
Promote workplace wellness and ensure safety of our staff and customers
Workplace Safety and Health At SPH, people are our most valuable asset, and their safety and well-
Policy being is of paramount importance to the organisation. This policy seeks
to provide working conditions that will ensure the safety and good health
of all employees.
Adopt environment-friendly practices
Environmental Protection SPH aims to be a responsible corporate citizen by minimising the impact of
Policy our activities on the environment across our wide spectrum of businesses.
Ethical Procurement Policy SPH aims to be a responsible corporate citizen by understanding and
minimising the social and environmental consequences of our business
operations across the value chain. The policy outlines SPH’s expectations of
ethical standards for our suppliers to adhere to when conducting business.
Support vulnerable communities and promote art, culture and sports
Corporate Social Responsibility All CSR projects will be subject to review, with the exception of the
(CSR) Policy following which SPH does not support:
• Projects that are confined to only individuals, sectional interests of a
group of persons (e.g. race, political groups) or serve an exclusively
religious purpose
• Overseas projects which do not benefit the Singapore community
• Social and/or commercial events with no community benefit and
projects which are not in line with SPH’s objectives.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 55
We build
ethical and Anti-corruption
transparent
businesses Compliance
with Laws and
Regulations
Content
Creation
SDG We Adopt Positive Impact
0
confirmed cases of corruption
0
legal suits resulting in significant
damages for copyright
infringement or defamationSINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
56 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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ANTI-CORRUPTION and independent procurement unit has dedicated compliance
[GRI 205-3] practices; including compulsory personnel to look after day-to-day
block leave and annual rotation of relevant regulatory compliance.
All our employees are expected portfolio for our procurement team. Any major non-compliance has
to conduct themselves in a Internal audits are conducted to be reported to management
professional and ethical manner. regularly to ensure the efficiency immediately. The list of key
Employees undergo mandatory and effectiveness of our risk applicable laws and regulations for
training on our Anti-Bribery and management, internal controls and our businesses are appended in
Anti-Corruption policy and SPH’s governance processes. Figure 3.
Code of Business Ethics and
Employee Conduct (Code of With the acquisition of the PBSA in Stringent due diligence exercises
Conduct) during onboarding and the UK in FY2019, we are required were conducted for all our
attend periodic refresher training. to comply with the UK Bribery acquisitions to manage our
Act 2010. We worked with UK compliance exposure in a new
SPH’s whistle blowing channels consultants in this respect and market and sector. It is critical
(either via a hotline number, email conducted a risk assessment of the that we work with a credible and
address or online form) that are PBSA business. Training on the UK trustworthy partner. UK company
accessible via our corporate Anti-Bribery Act will be rolled out for Host, which was engaged by
website: www.sph.com.sg by all relevant employees. SPH to manage 14 of our assets,
stakeholders provide them with was named the winner of the
secure platforms to raise concerns prestigious UK award, ‘Best Private
about any suspected improprieties COMPLIANCE WITH Halls Provider’, in the 2018 National
at SPH; including matters involving LAWS AND REGULATIONS Student Housing Awards. Host was
fraud, corruption and employee [GRI 418-1, 419-1] also awarded the ‘International
misconduct. Concerns raised are Accommodation Quality Mark’;
channelled directly to the Internal It is imperative for SPH to comply an award given to providers that
Audit (IA) team, which reports to the with the relevant laws and achieve higher than 90% satisfaction
Chairman of the Audit Committee regulations to remain in operation. from international students. Host
(AC). Should there be a substantiated Instances of non-compliance will also has contractual obligations
case, disciplinary action will be subject SPH to liabilities such as with SPH to comply with all
taken accordingly. In FY2019, there fines, suspension and revocation of relevant statutory and regulatory
were zero confirmed incidents of our license. requirements.
corruption and we aim to maintain
this track record in the subsequent To oversee compliance with the In FY2019, there were no significant
reporting periods. various statutory and regulatory fines and non-monetary sanctions
requirements, we have at group for non-compliance with laws and
Our commitment extends to our level a comprehensive compliance regulations. SPH will continue to
suppliers and this is communicated framework to monitor key minimise and prevent any non-
to them through our supplier code compliance risks and ensure compliance moving forward.
of conduct. Internal controls are in appropriate entity processes and
place to facilitate fair, transparent controls are in place. Each businessSINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 57
Figure 3: Key Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
Applicable Statutory and Regulatory Requirements
SPH Group SGX-ST Listing Manual
Companies Act
Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA)
Media Newspaper and Printing Presses Act (Chapter 206, Singapore Statutes)
Broadcasting Act and its relevant Codes of Practice
Market practice codes prescribed by the Info-communications Media Development
Authority of Singapore (IMDA)
Properties Personal Data Protection Act 2012 (PDPA)
Employment Act
Workplace Safety and Health Act
Building Control Act
Code of Practice of Environmental Health
Fire Safety Act
Orange Valley Allied Health Professions Act
Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations
Infectious Diseases Act
Medical and Elderly Care Endowment Schemes Act
Medicines Act
Mental Capacity Act
Misuse of Drug Act
Nurses and Midwives Act
Pharmacists Registration Act
Administration of Muslim Law Act
PBSA European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Data Privacy
To safeguard our stakeholders’ For Orange Valley, a Data Protection Any feedback or enquiries relating
personal data, we have Standard Sub-Committee was formed to to SPH’s collection of personal
Operating Procedures (SOPs) for establish and ensure compliance data can be addressed to our
the different business segments with PDPA policies for internal Personal Data Protection Officer at
to put in place controls to ensure and external information. A Data dataprotection@sph.com.sg,
data security. Various tests are Inventory Map (DIM) was also drawn 6319 8555 or via post.
conducted on the systems to ensure up to understand how we collect,
its robustness. use, store, share and retain data. In FY2019, we recorded zero
The DIM allowed us to understand substantiated complaints received
Apart from an external course, Orange Valley’s personal data from outside parties and from
“The Impact of Data Privacy and inventory and better manage its the Personal Data Protection
Cybersecurity”, PDPA and data protection. Commission (PDPC).
privacy matters were included in
10 separate briefings to SPH Board, For PBSA, Host’s contract with
Management Committee, senior SPH requires it to ensure strict
leaders and staff, to ensure that our compliance with the European
employees are aware of PDPA and Union General Data Protection
our related policy. Regulation (GDPR).SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
58 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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CONTENT CREATION focus on consistently providing Accuracy is a core value drilled into
[G4 M2] accurate and timely news reports as every journalist as soon as he/she
well as fair and balanced coverage joins a newsroom. All incoming
As Asia’s leading content provider, when opinions are published. Both information – from media releases
we have the responsibility to the English, Malay, Tamil Media to tip offs – must be checked with
produce accurate and timely news (EMTM) Group and the Chinese reference to alternative sources
reports across our media channels. Media Group (CMG) are guided by where possible. Checking is
our principles of ethical journalism incorporated at several stages in the
SPH’s newsrooms operate in a hotly as detailed in our Ethical Media newsroom workflow, as shown in
contested market for the provision and Journalism Policy: accuracy Figure 4. Besides accuracy, editors
of content. Our newsrooms are and accountability, independence, also look out for content that may
keenly aware of the competition, fairness and objectivity, and be sensitive, such as culture, race,
presented especially by the Internet awareness of the impact of words religion, diplomacy and those that
which allows individuals and and images for the readers. involve libel. Our journalists are
organisations to broadcast content Underlying the credibility that results expected to assess the reasons for
at very little cost. To stay ahead of from this consistency are rigorous publication and avoid offensive or
the competition, our newsrooms operating policies and procedures. unjustifiable statements.
Figure 4: Fact Checking in the Newsroom Workflow
Check 2: Editor
Subsequently, the editor checks
if the facts in the story have
been fact-checked and may
verify these independently. Check 4: Senior Editor
The story is then published on The senior editor reviews
digital platforms and updated the pages before they are
later if new facts emerged. published.
Publication
1 2 3 4 Newspaper is
published.
Check 1: Reporter Check 3: Sub-editor
The reporter must validate Next, this story is then prepared
the source of the information for print publication. A sub-
being used to write the story editor places the story on a
by checking it against multiple page and checks for accuracy,
sources if possible. Relevant style, length of the story as well
text is underscored its signal its page layout.
that it has been fact-checked.
These efforts to deliver quality journalism are supported by providing editorial staff with professional training,
coordinated by a dedicated training unit. 64 per cent of newsroom staff attended 89 unique local courses and at
least one training course in FY2019. 14 went for overseas training in nine unique course titles and 62 did web-based
training in three unique course titles. In FY2019, there were no legal suits arising from content produced by our
journalists.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 59
AWARD – WINNING CONTENT BY OUTSTANDING JOURNALISTS
SPH winners at the SIAS Investors’
Choice Awards 2018 at the
Mandarin Orchard Singapore
hotel on 25 September 2018.
(From left) Business Times senior
correspondent Angela Tan; Lianhe
Zaobao business correspondent
Wong Kang Wei; Lianhe Zaobao
correspondent Tang Ai Wei; chief
financial officer Chua Hwee
Song, who received a corporate
governance award on behalf of the
company; Lianhe Zaobao business
correspondent Chen Jing; and
Business Times correspondent Tan
Hwee Hwee.
Business Times senior correspondent
Angela Tan scooped the coveted
Financial Journalist of the Year prize
while her colleague, correspondent
Tan Hwee Hwee, received a special
award for her for her in-depth
coverage of the troubled offshore
and marine industry amid the sector’s
meltdown. Lianhe Zaobao business
correspondent Wong Kang Wei was
named Most Promising Journalist of
the Year; Chen Jing and Tang Ai Wei
from the Chinese daily also won
special awards.
In March, ST photojournalist Lim
Yaohui won a Merit Award in
the Environmental Photograph
category at the Asian Environmental
Journalism Awards 2019 for his
photo of a boat carrying personnel
from the Singapore oil spill response
centre travelling in water stained
with oil spill near Changi Jetty.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
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SPH swept 13 awards at the
Asian Digital Media Awards 2018,
presented at the Digital Media Asia
2018 conference on 8 November.
ST was the biggest winner with nine
accolades, bringing home two Gold,
three Silver and four Bronze awards.
Stomp clinched the Gold award for
Best in Social Media Engagement,
while Chinese Media Group (CMG)
brought in two Silver and one
Bronze award.
ST correspondent Sazali Abdul Aziz
was the winner of the Singapore
Sports Awards’ Sports Journalist
of the Year. He was recognised for
his coverage of the local sports
scene, including his feature on how
housing redevelopment plans for
the Farrer Park area affected the
sports community.
The Straits Times Asia Report, which
curates some of the best analyses
and features on the region from
the ST Foreign Desk, was named
Best New Print Product and Best in
Asia/Pacific, Regional/Local Brands
at the International News Media
Association (INMA) Global Media
Awards in New York on 17 May.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 61
We develop
our talent Non-discrimination
and Equal
Opportunity
Training and
Development
SDGs We Adopt Positive Impact
333
programmes implemented to
Top 92
leaders attended courses
on business analytics and
upgrade employee skills application of data analytics
to workplace safety &
65
health. An average of
20 hours
clocked per leader
new training programmes on digital
literacy introduced in FY2019
0
reported discrimination casesSINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
62 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
S U STA IN A B ILIT Y
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PROFILE OF OUR commercial properties in SPH REIT’s employees work full-time on shifts
WORKFORCE portfolio and The Seletar Mall. Other and hold permanent positions.
[GRI 102-7, 102-8, activities across our malls, such as
401-1] security and cleaning services, are SPH supports all employees’ rights
outsourced to third-party vendors. to freedom of association and
We have a diverse workforce made be members of trade unions. In
up of employees across our media, For PBSA, our operator Host maintains Singapore, SPH takes guidance from
property and aged care segments. its own workforce across functions the Industrial Relations Act that allows
Our total headcount stood at 4,177 such as sales and marketing, employees to be represented by trade
employees in FY2019 (FY2018: 4,421). maintenance, security and cleaning. unions for collective bargaining.
We have a team of permanent
98% of employees work full-time employees in Singapore and the UK, We have fostered a strong and
on a permanent contract. We have including three Regional Managers, to collaborative partnership with the
full-time correspondents located in manage our working relationship with Creative Media and Publishing Union
countries like the UK, the United Host and oversee our PBSA operations. (CMPU) to create a conducive and
States of America, China, Malaysia and progressive working environment
Indonesia. Due to the nature of media At Orange Valley, our manpower for our employees. 100% of our
business, we work with freelancers requirement is mainly for elder care. bargainable workforce is covered by
who provide copywriting, photography, We have a total headcount of 419 collective agreements and more than
editorial, video and image processing as who are permanent Singaporean half of SPH staff are union members.
well as hairstyling and makeup.1 employees working full-time. A
dedicated management team based In FY2019, SPH continued to
In our Property business, both the onsite run day-to-day operations. organise various activities to raise
Manager and the appointed Property the employees’ awareness on trade
Manager are from internal of SPH While the workforce comprises union activities and their benefits.
Group. The Property Manager a mix of full-time and part-time Initiatives include sharing with new
(SPH Retail Property Management roles to accommodate to local hires about CMPU during the Joint
Services Pte Ltd or RPMS) is made workforce needs for more flexible Induction Programme and the
up of a pool of experienced staff work arrangements, the majority Administration Division facilitating
who overseethe management of of Orange Valley’s nursing care CMPU roadshows at our cafeteria.
Figure 5: Workforce Profile by Gender, Employment Contract, Region and Employment Type
15%
4,177 54% 4,177 0.2%
4,177 4%
TOTAL 46% TOTAL 84.8% TOTAL 96%
Male Female Singapore Asia (excluding Singapore) Full-Time Part-Time
Australia, Europe & North America
Employment Male Female Region Permanent Temporary Employment Male Female
Contract Singapore 3,457 90 Type
Permanent 1,885 2,193 Asia (excluding 611 9 Full-time 1,878 2,152
Temporary 35 64 Singapore) Part-time 42 105
Total 1,920 2,257 Australia 1 0 Total 1,920 2,257
Europe 6 0
North America 3 0
1 Freelancers hired under our events management arm are not included within this reporting scope and calculation. They have been mentioned to
showcase a holistic view of our workforce.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 63
Figure 6: Breakdown of Board Figure 7: Breakdown of Employees
by Gender and Age Group by Employment Category
By Gender By Age Group
36%
4,177 1%
TOTAL 5%
TOTAL 90%
20%
10 10%
38%
30% 70% Senior management Middle management
Female Male Executive level Non-executive
30-50 years old Above 50 years old Specialist
Figure 8: FY2019 New Employee Hire and Turnover Rate2
New Hire Rates Turnover Rates
Total 722 17% 753 18%
By Gender
Male 301 7% 293 7%
Female 421 10% 460 11%
By Age Group
< 30 years 281 7% 207 5%
30-50 years 390 9% 433 10%
> 50 years 51 1% 113 3%
By Region
Singapore 597 14% 618 15%
Asia (excluding Singapore) 120 3% 132 3%
Australia 1 0.02% 0 0%
Europe 4 0.1% 1 0.02
North America 0 0% 2 0.05%
2 The total employee number as at 31 August 2019 was used as denominator to calculate the respective new hire and turnover rates by age group,
gender and region.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
64 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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INCLUSIVITY Workplace Safety & Health, to Anger 19th SIAS Investors’ Choice Awards.
(NON-DISCRIMINATION Management. Each leader attended
AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY) an average of 20 hours training. As an advocate of work-life balance,
[GRI 406-1] SPH provides family-oriented and
As shown in Figures 5 and 6, we flexible work arrangements. These
We strive to provide a safe, inclusive maintain a balanced male-female include flexible hours, part-time
and vibrant working environment ratio (46% male and 54% female) work and even tele-commuting.
for all. Since 2007, SPH has been a in our workforce and across our To better support young parents,
signatory of the Fair Employment Board of Directors (70% male we have extended no-pay leave
Practices. The tripartite standards and 30% female). Majority of our arrangements and provided nursing
have been fully adopted in our employees lie within the executives rooms for new mothers.
recruitment and employment and below employment categories.
practices. Mandatory annual As a testament to our efforts, SPH Orange Valley has not signed
refreshers and endorsement of was mentioned in the report by the employer’s pledge of fair
the SPH Diversity Policy serve as a the Council for Board Diversity employment practices with Tripartite
timely reminder to all employees (CBD)3 on the progress on board Alliance for Fair & Progressive
and reinforce our stance on appointments of women. 30% Employment Practices (TAFEP) but
inclusivity. In FY2019, we also rolled of SPH’s Board and 29% of SPH adopts fair employment practices.
out training for our top 92 leaders REIT’s Board are made up of female
who attended courses ranging members. SPH also received the Orange Valley has, where
from Google Analytics For Business, Singapore Corporate Governance operationally possible,
Applying Data Analytics Approach to Award, Diversity (Runner Up) at the accommodated to the local
workforce’s requests for flexibility
in work arrangements when
requested/needed. These include
conversion to part-time work as
The more the merrier – festive celebrations @ SPH
well as different start and end
times in working hours. Across
Throughout the year, CEO and senior management made
all subsidiaries, clear guidelines
frequent visits to Print Centre to celebrate the various festive
on workplace abuse, harassment,
occasions with staff.
bullying as well as disciplinary
matters are established and
communicated to all. Employees
are encouraged to raise any
grievance through their immediate
supervisor. Cases will be directed to
Human Resources Division should
further assistance or investigation
be required.
There were no incidents of
discrimination at SPH in FY2019. We
strive to upkeep this performance in
FY2020.
CEO and senior management at the Hari Raya celebration at Print Centre on 28 May.
3 CBD reports on the progress of board appointments of women across leading listed companies, statutory boards and Institutions of a Public
Character (IPC) on a quarterly basis.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 65
TRAINING In FY2019, we aligned our training Orange Valley
AND DEVELOPMENT framework to the SkillsFuture
[GRI 404-1] Media Framework (SFw for Media) As a testament to our training
which aims to provide information capability, we are recognised as
We dedicate resources to to individuals, employees and an Approved Training Centre and
developing human capital which training providers on trends, career a Certified On-the-Job Training
is vital to the growth of SPH. All pathways, skills and competencies Centre (COJTC) for the ITE
employees have equitable access to and training programmes. SPH Skills Certificate in Healthcare
training opportunities in acquiring encourages and supports employees (Homecare). Orange Valley has
skills, expertise and qualifications. to be future ready through acquiring established a comprehensive
digital knowledge. Training & Development Framework
Each business unit has a training which aims to build the necessary
and development framework With the focus on digital training, competencies of our staff to meet
best suited to its operations. Such SPH has also incorporated elements current and future business needs.
training development programmes of integrated marketing to bring
cover areas such as on-boarding about new courses such as Google We have a pool of in-house clinical
and induction programs, on- and search analytics, online digital instructors and training materials
the-job training, and managerial marketing, video production and which allows for various types of
and leadership development social media for all staff. A total of 65 training to suit different learning
programmes. Employees are also new training programmes on digital needs. All new hires go through
encouraged to take up e-learning literacy were rolled out in FY2019, a structured training programme
courses for their continual and this number is set to increase which comprise a six-month
education and self-development. further in the coming years. induction and On-the-Job training.
A large part of training for care staff
Through the online performance Our editorial division has a similar comes from coaching.
management system, employees training calendar. It organises
can track their progress and journalism courses that ensure The reporting supervisor is
receive guidance on areas which employees are at the forefront of responsible for ensuring that new
require improvement. This platform the latest happenings in media hires go through the required
promotes two-way communication law, news trends and updates to training programmes and receive
and transparent assessment of journalistic ethics and integrity proper coaching to be familiar and
work performance. Through open guidelines. With the increasing shift compliant with the SOPs, Enhanced
discussions, both supervisors and towards digital news and use of Nursing Home Standards (ENHS)
employees are aligned on the social media, journalists can acquire and Orange Valley’s internal quality
performance and expectations. basic coding skills under new standards. Peer level buddies are
training courses, enabling them to assigned to new hires in the initial
Media produce simple web pages and use stage to help them along and
social media tools effectively. facilitate the settling-in process.
Every year, a training calendar will
be drawn up and uploaded into our Properties Training on handling compliments
staff portal. Employees are informed and complaints is another critical
of the various types of training In FY2019, 71 employees clocked a element of our staff training.
available, which include orientation total of 1,194 training hours. They Through our Customer Feedback
workshops, leadership and attended mostly external courses, Management System, insights
management training, office skills including Company Emergency gathered can help further enhance
and personal effectiveness skills. Response Team (CERT) training, current training programmes. Each
and seminars related to real estate feedback is analysed and shared for
regulations, industry trends and further discussion.
statutory requirements.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
66 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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Orange Valley Scholarship Award registration as a nurse, candidates including geriatric care, respite
As part of our sourcing and will secure a career at Orange Valley care, medicare/speciality care and
retention programme, Orange Nursing Homes. Through the job dementia/psychiatric care. These
Valley awards scholarship placements, they will be exposed experiences will give students a
opportunities for local nursing to our comprehensive suite of holistic view of Orange Valley and
diploma undergraduates. Upon eldercare services at Orange Valley our businesses.
In FY2019, SPH staff attended 333 unique training programmes. The total training time spent was 41,743 hours.
Total investment in training was $1.1 million of which 22 per cent was funded by the government through various
subsidy schemes.
Figure 9: SPH’s Average Training Hours Per Employee by Gender and Employee Category
FY2019 FY2018
By Gender
Male 19 19
Female 14 15
By Employee Category
Senior management level 18 15
Middle management level 19 15
Executive 20 19
Non-executive 15 15SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 67
We promote
workplace wellness Health and
Safety for
our Staff and
and ensure safety
Customers
of our staff and
customers
SDG We Adopt Positive Impact
0
significant non-compliance
to health and safety laws and
regulations
Each business establishes localised
WSH governance and ensures
compliance to health and safety
regulationsSINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
68 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
S U STA IN A B ILIT Y
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HEALTH AND SAFETY and frameworks are put in place will have to be directly reported
OF OUR STAFF AND to guide implementation of to management for prompt
CUSTOMERS initiatives that promote healthy follow-up actions to be taken. We
[GRI 403-2, 416-2] and safe spaces. The importance welcome and value the feedback
of complying with all relevant from employees, customers,
Managing the health and safety laws and legislations in countries residents, students and the public
of our staff and customers is of of operation is communicated as they improve and validate our
key importance to SPH. Across regularly to our business divisions. performance.
our divisions, effective policies Any case of non-compliance
Staying Safe and Secure in Singapore
This case study showcases SPH’s contributions towards our National Defence.
SGSecure was the key focus of SPH’s emergency preparedness in FY2019. Any act of terrorism on SPH
threatens the safety and well-being of our employees and can greatly disrupt our business activities.
Since FY2018, the Administration Division has reviewed physical protective measures and installed
additional doors with electronic card readers to close off certain working areas from the public. Our CCTV
surveillance system has been progressively upgraded since FY2017. A new Security Command Centre was
also set up in FY2019 to control and coordinate security operations across News Centre, Print Centre and
the new Kaki Bukit warehouse.
To prepare staff for terror attacks, the Security department published relevant SGSecure-related
information from the Singapore Police on the SPH Staff Portal and on staff notice boards. Emergency
procedures like lifesaving skills, emergency evacuation procedure, lockdown procedure, handling of bomb
threats, etc. were also reviewed and published. The SGSecure initiatives will continue into FY2020 with
lunch-time talks, table-top exercises and emergency drills.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 69
Media
In FY2019, SPH fully implemented TWSH implementation was done Monitoring & Evaluation: Monitor
the Total Workplace Safety and through three key steps: progress of programmes and
Health (TWSH) framework, an evaluate effectiveness
integrated and holistic approach Assessment: Identifying of
towards managing interactions top risks and gaps in current The former WSH Coordination
between work, safety and health. management of workplace Committee, now termed as TWSH
It brings about larger involvement health and safety through Coordination Committee, holds
of business units in SPH, greater questionnaire and assessments quarterly meetings with both
employee engagement to raise Intervention: Recommendation Production and Office WSH teams
awareness of health and wellbeing. of practical solutions to plug any to review safety performance. Each
Addressing both safety and health gaps identified, and promote team has its own meeting every
risks will result in a healthier and health and wellness through month to discuss new initiatives
more productive workforce. health screenings, coaching and and monitor performance against
promotion activities set targets.
Figure 10: Total Workplace Safety and Health Coordination Committee
Board of Management
Directors Committee
Board Risk Total WSH Coordination
Committee Committee
Workplace Health Physical Activities
Chronic Disease Workplace
Occupational Health Health & Wellness
Management Infrastructure
Fire Safety Nutrition
Production WSH Sports & Leisure Human Times Properties
Committee Club (Club Zest) Resources (Facility)
Office WSH Cafeteria Panel Doctor
Committee Committees (In-house)
The Employee Workplace Safety and We are committed to providing re-occurrence. For more details on
Health Handbook is made available healthy and safe spaces for all safety performance, please refer
to all team members upon their employees. While we acknowledge to ‘Performance’ at the end of this
induction. This document, which that accidents may occur as we go section.
is prepared in accordance to the about our day-to-day operations,
Workplace Safety and Health Act, proper investigation and reporting SPH provides a comprehensive
emphasises on potential hazards procedures will ensue for every healthcare and wellness support
in the workplace and risk control accident occurred. Follow-up programme, including medical and
measures. actions are put in place to prevent dental benefits, as well as access toSINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
70 ANNUAL REPORT 2019
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Print Centre Company Emergency Response Team (CERT) in action Print Centre staff undergoing health screening as part of
Total WSH programme
a wide range of health and wellness To better meet the leisure and feedback. Shoppers and members
activities. SPH is a Merit Award lifestyle needs of staff, the Club also of the public can also get in touch
recipient of the Singapore Health organises events such as the annual with the malls via the “Contact Us”
Award 2019 by the Health Promotion SPH Family Day and monthly Up On pages on the respective websites to
Board, in recognition of our efforts in The Roof for staff and their families raise any issues that they may have.
promoting workplace health. to bond. A total of 1,500 staff and
their family members enjoyed fun Orange Valley
Staff are encouraged to take part activities at this year’s SPH Family
in regular health screenings, attend Day, held at SuperPark Singapore at At Orange Valley, a Resident-
talks on stress management, Suntec City. first attitude is inculcated in all
medical and health issues; financial employees. We strive to deliver
management and exercise classes, Print Centre’s clubhouse was integrated and holistic care to all
as well as leisure activities. SPH has refurbished with a new badminton our customers. We have a WSH
a Chronic Disease Management court for staff to enjoy their favourite Policy which covers all employees
Programme (CDMP) that assists sports and leisure activities during and workers within our premises.
employees with chronic diseases their free time.
to follow up regularly with the With the numerous families
company’s in-house doctors. Properties entrusting their loved ones to
our care, we are committed to
The SPH Inter-Division Challenge Each mall conducts fire drills in the delivering service excellence.
is organised by SPH Club Zest to early morning hours involving tenants Our robust standard operating
encourage participation in sports at least once a year. procedures guide all employees
and build camaraderie among staff. on their roles and responsibilities,
The most popular was the SPH Staff also undergo relevant first including measures to be taken
Inter-Division Steps Challenge. aid training courses conducted by during daily operations or in times
Leveraging on HPB Corporate accredited training providers. of emergency. In FY2019, Orange
Steps Challenge platform, a total of Valley achieved its targets of
549 participants signed up for the The malls have concierge or zero significant non-compliance
challenge this year, surpassing total customer service counters to concerning the health and safety
sign-ups for 2017 and 2018. address shoppers’ needs and impacts of products and services.SINGAPORE PRESS HOLDINGS
ANNUAL REPORT 2019 71
Staying Equipped with The Best, to Prepare for The Worst
Orange Valley Call Tree
Emergency Call Tree
In the event of Fire in any of the branch, the communication process is to
follow in accordance to the Emergency Call Tree as illustrated.
Fire Fire Alarm
alarm Staff Monitoring
sounded triggered Centre
off triggered
Fire Security
Fire Warden
Officer
(Level Supervisors)
(HAS & BHA)
Branch Operations
CIC/DCIC Manager
Branch Nurse VP.
Manager Operations
CEOYou can also read
